R.J. Antosik, Flushing Township's first police officer and chief, remembered for his dedication to the community

FLUSHING TOWNSHIP, Michigan — R.J. Antosik, Flushing Township’s first police chief who went on to become the county’s deputy chief assistant prosecuting attorney, dedicated himself to making a difference.

“He dedicated his life to helping people — not just family or friends, but the public,” said his son, R.J. Antosik II. “If you talk to my dad for one minute, you will never forget that man.”

He served in the US Naval Reserve from 1962 to 1964. From 1965 to 1974, he was an officer with the Detroit Police Department. The next two years, he was a talent agent and leader of a band near Detroit.

After working for a uniform rental company, Antosik was hired as Flushing Township’s first officer in 1981 and promoted to the township’s first police chief in 1982.

He retired six years later and took an assistant prosecuting attorney position for Genesee County. He retired as deputy chief assistant prosecuting attorney in 2002.

Arthur Busch, former Genesee County prosecutor, said Antosik was a prosecutor whom others liked, respected and learned from.

“He left a real mark on our office, particularly with the young people he trained,” Busch said. “He was a great liaison for me personally as a community leader. The community trusted him. Some of his best work was done behind the scenes.

“R.J. was a terrifically good prosecutor. He had a particular bond with the police and he was just such a steady force in our office.”

It was Antosik’s talent, experience and attitude — not to mention his love for the job and his ability to have fun — that lead Busch to promote Antosik to an administrative position.

Flushing Township Supervisor Terry Peck, friend and neighbor to Antosik, said Antosik loved his work because he loved his community.

“He was gentleman, a very professional man,” Peck said. “He looked as his job as one that helped the residents.”

Through it all, R.J. Antosik also remained dedicated to his family, his son said. Never once did the elder Antosik let work or social commitments get in the way of family matters.

“To sum my dad up: He’s a very loving, giving, caring, personable person,” R.J. Antosik II said. “When you meet my dad, he wants to stop and know your story. ... My dad made a great impact on Flushing Township and a lot of people’s life. My dad had that personality. He was a great man. He really was.”

Antosik is survived by his son, R.J. Antosik II, and girlfriend, Theresa Dobos.

The funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday at Rossell Funeral Home, 307 E. Main St. in Flushing. Cremation will follow.

Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday as well as noon to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A Masonic Service under the auspices of Flushing Masonic Lodge 223 will be 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.